Conscious Aging with John Robinson, Ph.D.

.+Add.Feed Info1000FOLLOWERS

This website is maintained by John C. Robinson, Ph.D. author of The Three Secrets of Aging, Bedtime Stories for Elders, Finding Heaven Here, Ordinary Enlightenment, But Where Is God, Death of a Hero Birth of the Soul.

This new book with a foreword by Matthew Fox comes out early next year. A summation, renewal, and extension of my work on the psychology, spirituality and mysticism of aging, it is meant to bring new readers to my earlier groundbreaking work, encourage previous readers to re-examine it, and apply its vision to the immense political and environmental challenges of today.

To call these "end times" is hardly hyperbolic. We are in trouble and the signs are everywhere: extreme political divisions; xenophobic violence, enormous wealth inequity; poverty and homelessness; racism, sexism, and ageism; arms buildups and unending wars; and, most critical of all, terrifying climate disruption associated with manmade global warming. This unfolding crisis is already resulting in food and water shortages, species extinctions, unlivable climate zones, and catastrophic weather, flood and fire events. It is also obvious that we are the cause of these dark times. Each of these crises originates in the human psyche – yours and mine. Driven by left-brain beliefs, illusions and obsessions, we race headlong toward the collapse of civilization. Fortunately, the solution to these mounting crises also lies in the human psyche, arising from a most surprising source: the right-brain's natural mystical consciousness. Our survival depends on whether we grasp and resolve this paradox in time.

I'm proposing that mystical consciousness, our long forgotten but fundamental human capacity for the direct perception of Creation, can be one of the most important resources for healing ourselves and the psychological split-brain schism that is risking our very survival. Indeed, divinity is pouring through the conventional world but for most sacred reality is still unseen. But this fast approaching apocalypse may be our turning point, moving us from the excesses of greed, power and false self to the all-infusing love and unity of divine being. This is not the end; it is a call for mystical consciousness and a time for mystical activism.

This book is about changing the world in a most unusual way - by transforming ourselves. When we awaken the power of mystical consciousness, we walk into a radiant new world before our eyes. Conventional problems and issues disappear and we return to our original Garden consciousness in deep communion with an all-pervading divine reality. Mystical activism is not about changing the world we think we see, it's about seeing through it into Creation as our truest home. From this awakening, we discover multiple tools of mystical consciousness that can change the way we process crisis, hardship, and loss, and awaken a new kind of human being.

This visionary transformation also reveals that the next stage of our spiritual evolution is happening right now, right before our eyes, evident in the multiple transitions described in the chapters of Mystical Activism - from spirituality to mysticism, left brain thinking to right brain consciousness, personality to Presence, Patriarchy to New Aging, false self to divine human, soul to prophet, and, with a little help from our friends on the "other side," from conventional reality to Heaven on Earth. In this new integration, earlier and new works combine for a new vision of human spiritual activism and evolution.

The mystical activism of self-transformation is here-and-now activism. We transform ourselves not to convince others to believe something or force institutions to change, but to convert our individual and collective experience of reality itself. It's about being utterly transformed and, as divine humans, letting life happen spontaneously from within the direct experience of divinity. This is a totally different kind of activism - unpremeditated, unpredictable, unprescribed, and unselfconscious. We become divine humans living in the flow of conscious sacred being working in ways never before possible.

It's not often that a young woman decides to chat me up in a coffee shop.But that's what happened a few days ago, a twentysomething blondeconversing earnestly with a stranger three times her own age. It wasobvious she wanted something, but felt too uncomfortable to ask, and forthe life of me, I couldn't figure out what it was. I had the feeling, aswe parted company, that in some way, I had let her down.

Later, I figured it out. She'd been curious to know what I had learnedabout life, this old man, three score and ten. In an attempt to somehowmake it up to her, I began writing a letter, hoping I could find some wayto get it to her.

Dear Young Woman,

I realize now what you wanted: You want to know what life is about, andyou sense that, from the far end of the road, I should be able to tell yousomething essential about the journey. I can, though I'm not sure you'llwant to hear it.

I think of the Russian poet, Yevgeny Yevtushenko, and the first line ofone of his poems: "Telling lies to the young is wrong." I don't want togive you conventional truths, polite lies or what I think you want tohear: that life is good, follow your dreams, expect to be rewarded in theend. The platitudes you hear from parents, teachers and the like.

I'm not a person who can do that.

In fact, I'm not sure I want to tell you the truth. It wouldn't proveuseful to you. Yet, I feel under some obligation to share what I havelearned, with the caveat that it is my reality, not yours. You'll discoveryour own truth along the way.

To begin with, the essence of my journey has been finding the courage tomove from illusion to reality. The wonderful dreams of my youth, of myadulthood, had to be tempered by what is possible in life – possible in myown life. It's been a hard learning process that has made me more human,more humble, more humane. I thought I was capable of great things. Iimagined I would create great beauty with my music, capture a specialvision of life in my writing. I believed I would enter a world of truthand harmony when I joined a therapy commune. I expected that I would findunconditional love in my marriage.

And even before all that, I grew up within the sheltering arms ofChristianity, believing there was a guardian angel who protected me,saints to whom I could pray for lost objects, special favours. I lovedbeing one of the "chosen ones," with the promise of eternal happiness inheaven after I died. These were some of the illusions that carried meforward on my path through life. And after they had done their work,drawing me along from stage to stage, each belief was shattered.

The same can be said of dreams. Dreams fulfilled, dreams destroyed; eitherway, it doesn't matter. They take you out into life, after which theirpurpose has been served. You're left with the challenge of dealing withwho you really are.The process for me was one of deflation – from a belief that I was agifted, special, being loved by the Divine, to a simple human, limited incapacity, aware of my mortality, kin to all creatures who walk – and crawl– on this Earth.

And here I am, nearing the end of my lifespan. I ask myself if I wouldhave been better off remaining within the protective world of myillusions. Just as a child doesn't have a choice about remaining in thewomb; however, I didn't have the option, plus some questing side of mehungered for the truth, even though it wasn't always what I wanted.

Yet, this isn't the whole story. There is a boon given to those who arefaithful to their path. With the collapse of every dream, the breaking ofevery illusion, I found myself becoming more vulnerable, more open. Andout of this transformation came an awakening of what I believe is the mosthuman of all virtues, compassion. Having suffered, been hurt, failed at somany attempts to gain "success," I find myself able to reach out to othersin a way I never thought possible – with compassion.

How to describe compassion? For me it is an awareness that others, too,share the regret of mistakes made, failures endured, loves lost. That'swhat happens as we become human. Realizing that we all suffer helps usaccept others we meet along the way. And perhaps that is why my lifeunfolded as it did.

But there is something more that makes age worth the struggle. Recently, Ihave found myself able to love. Not the romantic love of youth, but onethat can embrace all who share this planet. It's a strange and wonderfulphenomenon that seems to come unexpectedly to those of a certain age whohave lived their lives honestly, doggedly. Some might call it cosmic love;others, Christ love.

Regardless, finding the truth about oneself, humankind and one's place inthe universe is an awesome discovery. And then to experience this ultimategift of aging, this open heart, is a blessing of the highest order. Sohere I am, at the pinnacle of my life, looking back across the distanceI've travelled, conscious of all the twists and turns and detours. To beable to reach out in love and embrace this world as it is – that is wherelife has taken me, and what for me it's all about.Austin Repath lives in Toronto.

"This time is indeed a new period of growth and generativity as we enter our final years. But what to call it? Old Age just doesn't describe it with its baggage of deterioration and irrelevance. This is the time of culmination when all one's life comes together and what is lost is what we willingly give up, which truthfully may be everything to become our truest self. Culmination seems to be the time when paradoxically all things hold together while everything shakes apart. I call it Culminescence, the coming together of all a person is, thriving even in the face of suffering, frailty, illness, weakening of heart or loss of mind. The time of soul strength and emergence of the deepest self.Has anyone named this new period of human development? Please let me know your thoughts."

I recently spoke to a large group of elders on aging. I asked them to anonymously write down what they most fervently wished for in the final years. Here are their answers. How would you have answered this question?

Security and good healthAcceptanceGood health until my time to leave this lifeInner peace and contentmentBe happy with a life well livedPeace and harmony with self and others and with creation and GodThe freedom to finally engage in some of my personal interestsI want to feel comfortable with myself and physically ableTo accept dying feeling I was a success at somethingContentmentHealth and a reason to get up in the morningGood relationshipsIntimacy, Connection and engagementWisdom and compassionPeace of mindUnderstandingGet in touch with inner self, be not so identified with my work but be more in touch with love relationships and excepted as enoughTo deepen my relationships with true intimacyService contentment familyI want peace of mind kindness understanding guilt freeGood health to continue and great relationships with my children and grandchildren and friendsAbility to face dying peacefullyBe content with who I really am (after I find out)Become more compassionate and not angry about what I need to doI want to continue to explore and come to understand the mysteries of life and my part in that mysteryTo be known, to be peaceful, and to be enoughTo communicate myself for the good of the next-generationPeace with my pastI want to be significant to have made a difference in the worldMake peace with a life that is well lived but is not as extraordinary as I had expected, coming to terms with being ordinaryI want to have a fulfilled life full of happiness and contentmentSpiritual fulfillment, travel creativity, love and intimacy, learning good healthThe opportunity to completely write my life storyI want to experience a better consciousness of the meaning of my life while leaving behind or passing on wisdom accrued overtimeTo be released from the slavery of my never ending to do list.Warm significant relationships that are kind, open and honest, that produce a benefit to humanityTo know that I have done the work of finding myself truly honestly, and in the time of life I haveleft (91), do more I have missedTo be able to live authentically which means for me not just fulfilling the functions that have been assigned to me by cultural expectations but to actually love myself authentically to the point of healing that allows me to accomplish this goalA Honda Odyssey Van for sureAbiding wisdom and serenity in the midst of trialsInterest and self-acceptanceBe loved and to be lovingSpiritual grounding and immersion and funPeace of mind, acceptance of aging's loss, integrationPeace, I have done enoughConnection to self and loved onesKeep growing mentally and spirituallySelf-knowledge and conscious agingTo still be able to enjoy life and to keep my creativityPeace, growth, security, and freedom from painWisdom, tolerance, patience, laughterBe in good health, keep in the spirit of God, have at least some very loving good friendsTo be able to continue to enjoy peanut butterTo live fully alive in the time I have left even while letting things goPeaceful existence and good healthDo aging gracefully and filled with meaningContinuing longevity with partner (wife)I want to feel that my life mattered and have that sense of purpose and completion as an artistic personA new sense of purpose, a reason for being, reason for life to continue in love and meaningIntegration, gratitude for what isEqual and honest loveInsight, understanding, being understood, enjoyment, joyA fresh, meaning-filled, and all-consuming focus for my energiesPeace, a goal to work at, family around meUnderstanding and solace

What stands out most for me are these recurring wishes: a meaning to life, loving relationships with friends and family, acceptance of aging and death, peace of mind, personal and spiritual growth and understanding, a feeling of having mattered. Which answers reflect your wishes?

I recently spoke to a large group of elders on aging. I asked them to anonymously write down what they most fervently wished for in the final years. Here are their answers. How would you have answered this question?

Security and good healthAcceptanceGood health until my time to leave this lifeInner peace and contentmentBe happy with a life well livedPeace and harmony with self and others and with creation and GodThe freedom to finally engage in some of my personal interestsI want to feel comfortable with myself and physically ableTo accept dying feeling I was a success at somethingContentmentHealth and a reason to get up in the morningGood relationshipsIntimacy, Connection and engagementWisdom and compassionPeace of mindUnderstandingGet in touch with inner self, be not so identified with my work but be more in touch with love relationships and excepted as enoughTo deepen my relationships with true intimacyService contentment familyI want peace of mind kindness understanding guilt freeGood health to continue and great relationships with my children and grandchildren and friendsAbility to face dying peacefullyBe content with who I really am (after I find out)Become more compassionate and not angry about what I need to doI want to continue to explore and come to understand the mysteries of life and my part in that mysteryTo be known, to be peaceful, and to be enoughTo communicate myself for the good of the next-generationPeace with my pastI want to be significant to have made a difference in the worldMake peace with a life that is well lived but is not as extraordinary as I had expected, coming to terms with being ordinaryI want to have a fulfilled life full of happiness and contentmentSpiritual fulfillment, travel creativity, love and intimacy, learning good healthThe opportunity to completely write my life storyI want to experience a better consciousness of the meaning of my life while leaving behind or passing on wisdom accrued overtimeTo be released from the slavery of my never ending to do list.Warm significant relationships that are kind, open and honest, that produce a benefit to humanityTo know that I have done the work of finding myself truly honestly, and in the time of life I haveleft (91), do more I have missedTo be able to live authentically which means for me not just fulfilling the functions that have been assigned to me by cultural expectations but to actually love myself authentically to the point of healing that allows me to accomplish this goalA Honda Odyssey Van for sureAbiding wisdom and serenity in the midst of trialsInterest and self-acceptanceBe loved and to be lovingSpiritual grounding and immersion and funPeace of mind, acceptance of aging's loss, integrationPeace, I have done enoughConnection to self and loved onesKeep growing mentally and spirituallySelf-knowledge and conscious agingTo still be able to enjoy life and to keep my creativityPeace, growth, security, and freedom from painWisdom, tolerance, patience, laughterBe in good health, keep in the spirit of God, have at least some very loving good friendsTo be able to continue to enjoy peanut butterTo live fully alive in the time I have left even while letting things goPeaceful existence and good healthDo aging gracefully and filled with meaningContinuing longevity with partner (wife)I want to feel that my life mattered and have that sense of purpose and completion as an artistic personA new sense of purpose, a reason for being, reason for life to continue in love and meaningIntegration, gratitude for what isEqual and honest loveInsight, understanding, being understood, enjoyment, joyA fresh, meaning-filled, and all-consuming focus for my energiesPeace, a goal to work at, family around meUnderstanding and solace

What stands out most for me are these recurring wishes: a meaning to life, loving relationships with friends and family, acceptance of aging and death, peace of mind, personal and spiritual growth and understanding, a feeling of having mattered. Which answers reflect your wishes?

Apologies. I have been AWOL on posting new blogs because my creativity has been consumed by a year devoted to personal mystical revelations and a new book on spiritual and mystical activism, in preparation. I will resurface in the near future. Thanks for understanding!

The split-brain research of the 1960's demonstrated that two separate and independent selves dwell in each of us. After examining their unique characteristics, I believe these selves are best described as Ego and Soul. The Ego dwells in the brain's left hemisphere and accesses the mind's thought and language functions to build its models Read More

In this blog, I offer four open-ended questions to understand the specific psychological and spiritual tasks of your own aging. Take your time. Go deep. Generate as many answers as you can to each question and don't censor yourself. When you're done, review your responses as the revelations of your Soul, underline the ones Read More

Life is an enchanting adventure. We cannot know in advance what we will find or where it will lead. It's about what events evoke inside and reveal about our lives. We are the divine medium, source and prism of revelation, the seers, mystics and prophets. As events flow through the prism of mystical and Read More

I woke up this morning filled with amazement by this idea. We human beings are extraordinary creatures because we can consciously recognize and experience our own divine nature and the divine world we live in. A wall of erroneous beliefs about our flawed and mortal nature and the fallen world, now breaking down, has blocked this realization for centuries. As described in The Divine Human Read More